Scantlings

Dad died this past Tuesday, 30 June, 2015. He was 83.

I am building a site for him to share a bit about what I remember (before I don't remember it any more).

He did the best he knew as a dad.

Vaya con Dios, Dad.

http://sail2live.com/dad

I'm sorry, Rick. I don't know if this was an unexpected blow or a release from long suffering, but it's never easy. The biography is a great thing and will be valuable to many people.

Eric

Rick,

Sorry to hear of your loss. I think of my Dad every day. One of my goals is to be as kind and thoughtful as he was his entire life. Big hug buddy.

Beau

Sad to hear Rick. The web site is a great way to celbrate and honor your father.

I'm very sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Judging by the tone I think I hear in your post, it sounds like you two had a great and close relationship.

I am very sorry to hear of the lost of your Dad Rick.
I am thinking of you and him.

My condolences Rick.

Rick, my sincere condolences. Hang in there. A web page is a great idea.

Stay tuned, Jamie. The tone's about to change, unfortunately.

Dad was suffering a lot of pain in his legs for about the last year. He had quad bypass surgery 5 years ago and it didn't go well. The pain in his legs was from poor circulation. He was also recommended to go on dialysis. He refused dialysis and figured if it was his time it was his time. He'd gone to the hospital for the pain. They told him he needed stents and made an appointment. Unfortunately, where he lived in rural Florida, there wasn't any place close by that could do the surgery (based on his health care coverage, of course). They gave him some pain killers and sent him home. He was at home with his long-time girlfriend. She helped him into bed and shortly after that he took two long breaths and he was gone. Very peaceful.

I'm sorry to hear that, but glad it was peaceful. Apologies for making assumptions from afar.

Father's can be stubborn and cantankerous and it seems we have little choice but to let them live on their own terms despite the damage. I can't keep mine from fist-fighting with 40yr old French farmers 30 years his junior. I worry one day I'm going to wake up to a regret-to-inform call.

Rick, I'm so sorry to hear about your father. No matter the circumstances, it's never easy. Do remember the good times.

Sincerely,
Paul

Our condolences on your fathers passing Rick. Pam and I have your family in our thoughts. Ed

Condolences Rick.

So sorry to hear.... prayers and condolences to you and your family.

Condolences Rick. Glad you had good times while he was around.

Rick,

Very sorry to hear of your father's passing.

Charlie

Condolences Rick. I'm sorry this has happened.

Rick,

So sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort knowing he is at peace.
Joel

Rick, your dad must have been a good one to have raised a son like yourself. My dad passed away when I was 31. I think of him every day. The pain and sad times will recede.

Bob

Rick, your Dad may have been a complete rotter--many men are--but all of us are limited and imperfect and our job is to be good enough. If we were perfect saints, that would really fuck our kids up.

My dad and I rarely saw eye to eye. He died close to 20 years ago and I still miss him. Sorry for your pain, Rick.

Rick, so many wise words have been shared here already. I agree, that no matter what the circumstances and history, it is a tough, sad time. My condolences to you and your family.

You are good people, Rick. Take care of you.

Lin

I'm sorry for your loss, Rick.

Very sorry to hear of your loss Rick.
Bryan

So very sorry for your loss Rick.

I missed seeing this until today. Deepest condolences.

Rich

Just saw this, Rick. I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. My dad never got to meet my wife or sail on my boat. I miss him every day as I'm sure you'll miss yours.

Andy Burton

Thank you all for your kind words and wisdom.

Wise words Eric. As my father did, I too look at my experience as offspring to influence my job as an awesome dad. Even though we weren't close, there is an emptiness once the last one passes. Even at 50, it feels as though the training wheels have finally come off.

As a navy vet, he gets a headstone at a veterans cemetery in Pennsylvania.